Swimathon is the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim is 30 years old this year, and Places for People Centres (in Horsham, Steyning and Billingshurst) will be some of more than 600 venues, around the UK, celebrating this landmark by hosting a Swimathon event.

The event will take place over three days, starting on April 7. As registration opens for the 2017 event, the total fundraising amount, over the previous 29 years, stands at a staggering £46 million, which has been distributed amongst 36 different charities.

Dale Whitford, Contract Swimming Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to, once again, host Swimathon at three of our Leisure Centres. We are proud to have supported Swimathon over the years, so to celebrate this milestone is extra special.

“We are passionate about swimming and the positive impact it can have on your general well-being is amazing. We would love to see some new faces at one of our events so please do sign up”.

Duncan Goodhew, Swimathon President and Olympic gold-medallist, said of the landmark Swimathon event: “For the last 29 years it has been a real joy to see Swimathon develop and mature into the great event it is today. Swimathon really was ahead of its time, giving people a chance to get active and do some good at the same time. I am so proud of both Swimathon’s longevity and its legacy.”

The official charity of Swimathon 2017 is Marie Curie. The charity provides care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. It has been doing this work for over 65 years and last year alone cared for and supported over 50,000 people affected by terminal illness across the UK.

Registration is now open for Swimathon 2017. Participants can enter to take part at any Places for People Leisure Centre through the Swimathon website: Swimathon.org/participants/regist